Badgers LB Mike Taylor won't be ready for pro day March 6

Indianapolis - Wisconsin LB Mike Taylor is six weeks removed from sports hernia surgery, but he isn't ready to work out in front of pro scouts at the combine or at the school's pro day on campus March 6.

Taylor said he was making good progress with his rehab, but that the goal was to be able to run in front of the scouts sometime before the draft. It is not uncommon for injured players to have to schedule private workouts in front of scouts.

"I've started to run," Taylor said. "I've just been working out and getting back into things. Pro Day is March 6, probably won't be doing that. I'm just going to try to keep getting better, just working on it week to week."

Taylor said he suffered what is more often called a "core muscle injury" against Michigan State Oct. 7. After a bye week, he went on to play in all five remaining games, including the Big Ten championship and the Rose Bowl.

"We figured that's what it was," he said of the injury. "Got an MRI and that's what it showed."

He underwent surgery Jan. 7, six days after the Badgers lost to Stanford, 20-14.

Taylor said he feels he can play both inside and outside, but he's projected as an inside linebacker in the NFL. He's only 6-1, which will be a knock against him, but he thinks his football intelligence and toughness will help him succeed.

At Wisconsin, he described his primary duties as "stopping the run," but he also said he's fine dropping back into coverage. He had some lapses in coverage last year, but "I felt strong and confident in every area."

About Tom Silverstein

Tom Silverstein has covered the Green Bay Packers since 1989. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year award winner.